CHARLESTON, SC (AP) - The cost of driving in South Carolina is down for the first time in four years.

AAA Carolinas announced Tuesday that it will cost the driver of an average sedan about $9,200 to operate their vehicle this year. That's down from just over $10,000 last year.

The operation costs calculated include insurance, maintenance, fuel, taxes, depreciation and finance changes for driving 15,000 miles a year. The motor club says costs are lower this year in part because of the improved economy, falling gas prices and lower insurance costs.

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC (WIS)- About 100 airmen were reunited with their families Thursday night at Shaw Air Force Base.

They were coming back from a six-month deployment to Afghanistan. 

It had all of the hallmarks of a happy homecoming: mothers hugging sons. Wives waiting on husbands. And kids hoping to live up to their parents.

After six months in Afghanistan, this was much needed.

In a recent release, more than a handful of Midland schools were ranked on a list for U.S. News Best High Schools, according to U.S. News.

In the 2013 U.S. News Best High Schools rankings, there are two South Carolina schools with gold medals, 17 with silver medals and 29 with bronze medals.

Three Midlands schools placed in the top ten.

Dutch Fork High School in Irmo was ranked at #3, while Chapin High School trailed behind ranked #4 and Lexington High School at #9.